Mother's Day 2025 is two weeks away, and it's the perfect time to find a gift for Mom while there's still time to place orders without worry. While it may seem like there's an endless deluge of outlets recommending flowers, perfume, and jewelry for mom, at ZDNET, we take the tech approach to everything -- including our gift-giving.
That's why I've rounded up some of the best Mother's Day tech gadgets your mom can keep loving every day of the year. These picks will upgrade her day-to-day activities from basic to so much better. Plus, our team has tested all of these products before recommending them to you, and as an eldest daughter of 23 years, you can trust there's no better expert to scoop these picks than me.
Also: I tried the viral sleep earbuds developed by ex Bose engineers - and they felt like a dream
It doesn't matter if your Mom is a tech whiz or the Mom who asks you what the password is to her email (I know the struggle). These editor-approved picks will surely wow and, dare I say, gain motherly approval.
The best Mother's Day gifts for tech-loving Moms
If your Mom could benefit from better nights' sleep and more rest, consider gifting a Hatch Restore alarm clock this Mother's Day. The Hatch Restore 3 is Hatch's most updated version of its popular sunrise alarm clock, designed to replicate naturally waking up with the sun.
The Restore 3 builds upon the Hatch Restore 2, with improved speakers. This new central button makes it easy to turn things on and off, new Unwind routines to help ease you into bed, and a personalized onboarding experience to identify your sleep challenges.
Also: This sunrise alarm clock changed my nighttime routine
As far as the setup goes, it's simple: You download the Hatch app, connect it to your Restore 3, connect the smart clock to your home's Wi-Fi, and then you start customizing and setting up your Rest and Rise routines with your preferred choice of light, soundscapes, and more.
ZDNET's Allison Murray tested the Restore 3 in March and was impressed with its capabilities. "If you're looking to improve your sleep in 2025, the Hatch Restore 3 is a game-changer. While it's costly, if you're serious about using your phone less at night and getting a better sleep experience in the morning, this device is the one I consistently recommend," Murray wrote in her review.
If Mom needs a few more ZZZs, look no further than Ozlo. The Ozlo Sleepbuds are developed by ex-Bose engineers and are ZDNET sleep expert Nina Raemont's pick for best overall sleep earbuds right now. She says these buds are the best, most comfortable sleep earbuds she's tried to date.
"My bedroom overlooks a bustling Brooklyn street that is always polluted with noise, like police sirens, screaming ambulances, neighbors singing and celebrating into the wee hours of the night, and pedestrians yelling at each other. These earbuds simplified my descent into sleep -- I put these earbuds in and couldn't hear a song or chatter outside my window," Raemont says in her review.
Also: I tried the viral sleep earbuds developed by ex Bose engineers - and they felt like a dream
With the app, you can also customize sleep sounds with up to 10 to choose from, set up an alarm in the earbuds, and put a timer on the earbuds for them to shut down after you've gone to bed. Some features, like sleep tracking, will also be coming soon in an over-the-air app update. Raemont says these buds are the most comfortable, too.
The earbuds were so good that Ozlo was awarded a Best of CES award in the wellness category, as selected by ZDNET, CNET, PCMag, Mashable, and Lifehacker.
If your Mom is the sporty and fitness type but doesn't want to integrate a smartwatch into her everyday look, a smart ring, like the popular Oura Ring Gen4, might be the perfect gift. The Oura Ring's design mimics a premium, luxury jewelry option, available in several finishes to match your preference. Several ZDNET team members use the Oura Ring daily, including smart ring expert Nina Raemont and staff writer Allison Murray.
Also: Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: Opt for the older, discounted smart ring or the newest?
Raemont has used the Oura Ring in several environments, including sleeping, walking, running, and at the office, and has remained impressed with its health offerings.
Also: One of the best smart rings I've tested beats out the Oura 3 and Ultrahuman
"I'm pleased with how it's helped me further understand myself through health data. It even captured my higher stress levels on one tear-filled night," Raemont says. You can order a sizing kit right from Oura, or don't forget that you can head to your local Target to check out finishes and sizes to make shopping this ring easier.
Expert Cesar Cadenas tested this Lenovo tablet in April and prefers it over the iPad for multimedia use. Cadenas says the Lenovo Tab Plus offers a standout audio-visual experience, pairing a crisp 2K display with a surprisingly powerful speaker system that even outshines some iPads in sound quality.
Also: Why I prefer this Lenovo tablet over the iPad for travel and multimedia consumption
It also features an integrated kickstand and can double as a Bluetooth speaker when paired with a smartphone. Cadenas says it's great for use as a work tablet or for on-the-go entertainment. Plus, right now, it's on sale for 28% off at Lenovo, selling for $252 (save $98).
If you prefer to gift Apple, consider the latest iPad 11th Gen or the older 10th Gen model. Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner recommends this model to most people.
A Kindle or e-reader makes a great gift if Mom is an avid reader, and if you're in the market for one, ZDNET ranks the base model Kindle as the best you can buy for most people. Expert Nina Raemont tested it upon its release and says it does everything you need for $100. But if Mom already has an e-reader, consider upgrading hers with the handiest accessory I've tried -- Strapsicle. Strapsicle straps are simple silicone pieces that pop over the corners of e-reader devices and create a strap to handle your Kindle securely.
The Strapsicle fits most e-readers, creates a secure grip, and adds a layer of protection. The accessory comes in several fun colors and four sizes, making finding the perfect fit easy.
Also: My favorite Kindle accessory seriously upgraded my reading experience (and it only costs $20)
Plus, this accessory is under $25 and incredibly functional. A Strapsicle allows you to place your hand wherever you want on a Kindle without worrying about security. Unlike a PopSocket, which can only be fastened in one spot, you can flip your Kindle upside down and all around, and it doesn't budge with Strapsicle. It's truly life-changing. After reading my initial review, ZDNET expert Maria Diaz ordered her set and agrees they're beyond good.
If Mom is a slow coffee sipper and a hot beverage enthusiast who often has to sip on less-than-ideal lukewarm coffee, the Ember Smart Mug seeks to end all hot beverage problems. It can hold either 10 or 14 ounces (depending on the size you choose) of any beverage and can be controlled from a smart app.
The temperature is set to 135 degrees outside the box, and it shuts off after two hours for safety purposes. However, it can be customized to last between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, entirely customizable for the user's liking.
Also: Ember's new tumbler solved my biggest morning coffee problem
I purchased my own 14-ounce Ember mug over Cyber Week 2023 to enhance my work-from-home setup, and it doesn't disappoint. I never thought I'd love something that seems unnecessary, but the luxury of customizing my coffee experience and keeping it toasty until the last drop is life-changing. It was worth every penny I spent on it, and I never have to drink lukewarm or reheated coffee again.
Ember also sells a 12 oz travel mug and a 14 oz travel tumbler, which offer the same customizable heating experience for on-the-go use.
Listen, if you're reading this. Heed my advice. I don't recommend gifting Mom a vacuum cleaner or a household appliance for any holiday unless she specifically asks for it or you're planning to gift something intended just for her with it. Why? Just trust me, woman to reader.
Also: This Eufy robot vacuum with a built-in handheld unit is a steal
But if you want to gift smarter cleaning, look no further than Eufy's latest E20 3-in-1 robot vacuum and handheld vacuum combo machine. Eufy's latest E20 robot vacuum and handheld combination help superpower your smart home. The handheld vacuum is the robot vacuum's dustbin, which you can detach by pressing a red button on the device while simultaneously pulling the handle. The handheld vacuum has a crevice attachment on the robot and a floor brush to transform it into a stick vacuum.
Expert Maria Diaz tested this vacuum in March and was thoroughly impressed with its suction power and ability to keep her office free of her dog's hair. She also likes its multi-functional capabilities.
Moms are many things, and there's no doubt that many are the ultimate family planners. Take some responsibility and stress off Mom with a Skylight Calendar. This family hub system makes it easy for everyone to contribute to the mental load of a home and family -- even kids.
Also: The Skylight Calendar is an absolute game-changer for getting my busy family organized.
The Skylight Calendar is a 15-inch smart display that looks like a high-end tablet. It runs an Android-based OS and displays a calendar at all times. The Calendar can go on a table or shelf, or be mounted to the wall. Using the Skylight app on a smartphone, you can add events, chores, and dinner plans and create lists for everyone to see on the wall calendar within seconds. Each account also gets a custom Skylight email address that you can give to others who don't have the app. They can then send events to that email, which will be added to the calendar almost immediately.
Expert Maria Diaz says the Skylight has made the biggest difference in her family. Even if she hadn't had the chance to test it, she would've bought one for herself just for its functionality.
If the mother figure in your life loves savoring all the memories, large and small, a digital picture frame is a great way to display all her favorite moments.
The Nixplay Touch 10 Smart Frame comes in black, classic matte, and wood. Setting up the frame is easy, and connecting to Wi-Fi and the Nixplay app is expectedly easy. The free standard plan with the frame includes unlimited cloud storage, 5GB of videos, and the basic photo editing suite.
Also: As a millennial, I love this digital photo frame to display my favorite memories
You can control your photo "playlists" in the app, where you can add, reorganize, or delete photos and videos. Friends and family can also add pictures to your playlist, and they don't need to own a Nixplay frame, making it an excellent option for families that live far away or don't see each other often.
ZDNET's Allison Murray recommends everyone try a digital photo frame. She enjoyed testing the Nixplay. "I'm here to say we should make digital photo frames 'in' again," she says.
If Mom always needs to boost her phone, smartwatch, or earbuds (or wants to curb all the cords), this compact, wireless, and travel-friendly charging setup is it. Revealed at CES 2024, this charging station has a compact form factor comparable to a deck of cards, while still able to charge multiple devices simultaneously with impressive speed.
Also: I found a Qi2 charging station that can do it all (and Apple users will love it)
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station leverages Qi2 technology to snap onto the back of your iPhone and delivers 15W fast charging. In addition, it has a retractable arm to set your Apple Watch and a pad for your AirPods, or any earbuds compatible with wireless charging.
When ZDNET's Sabrina Ortiz tested it last year, it boosted her iPhone 14 from 40% to 60% in just 30 minutes -- while she remained using it. Ortiz also found that the charger steadily charged her multiple devices relatively evenly when 3-1 charging was used.
Ortiz's mom has usurped this charging station from her because her mom loves it so much. I've also purchased my own Anker charging station, and its convenience and portability cannot be overstated. This is the perfect charger for home and travel, especially if you aren't looking to purchase more than one wireless charging station.
More Mother's Day gifts to consider
In the US, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The annual holiday honoring maternal figures is on a different day every year but always falls on the third Sunday of May. The holiday is about two weeks away.